Business conditions in Canada, second quarter of 2025

Release date: May 27, 2025
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Infographic: Business conditions in Canada, second quarter of 2025
Description: Business conditions in Canada, second quarter of 2025
Top obstacles expected by businesses over the next 3 months Table summary
This table displays the results of Top obstacles expected by businesses over the next 3 months , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Percentage of businesses
Inflation 49.3%
Cost of inputs 27.7%
Interest rates and debt-related costs 26.4%
Cost of insurance 26.2%
Fluctuations in consumer demand 25.6%
Over one-third of businesses expect at least one labour-related obstacle over the next 3 months Table summary
This table displays the results of Over one-third of businesses expect at least one labour-related obstacle over the next 3 months , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Percentage of businesses
Recruiting skilled employees 24.9%
Retaining skilled employees 19.2%
Shortage of labour force 16.8%
Expected impacts on activities of businesses that anticipate labour-related obstacles Table summary
This table displays the results of Expected impacts on activities of businesses that anticipate labour-related obstacles , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Percentage of businesses that expect at least one labour-related obstacle
Management working more hours 46.4%
Limited business growth 39.6%
Staff working more hours 36.8%
Hiring less suitable candidates 33.5%

What have businesses done over the last 3 months to mitigate the risks associated with tariffs applied by the United States on Canadian imports?

Percentage of businesses

  • 12.2% sought alternative suppliers outside the United States
  • 12.0% increased domestic sourcing
  • 7.5% delayed major investments or expenditures
  • 6.7% increased inventory or stockpiled goods
  • 4.3% delayed Canadian investment or expansion plans

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, second quarter of 2025.

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Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2025

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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